image: MarthaStewart.com

Happy Friday, love bugs!  What are your plans for the weekend?

I’m outlining the big tailgate we’re hosting over Labor Day Weekend for many of Angus’ students.  We’ve decided that with so many guests the way to go is a hot dog bar, with classic dogs, brats, turkey sausage and tofu dogs plus all the fixins’.  My question for you is, how do you like your dog?  Chicago-style with yellow mustard, onions, sweet relish, a dill pickle, chopped tomatoes, pepperoncini and celery salt on a poppy seed bun? Or are you California-style with avocado slices, onion, parsley and tomatoes on whole wheat?

We’ll have fresh chopped onions, tomatoes, and avocados as well as different kinds of mustard, ketchup and relish, sesame, poppy seed and plain buns, spicy pickled peppers, fresh jalapenos, thin slices of cheddar and pepper jack plus celery seed.  What am I missing?

Also, pickles. Lots of bright, beautiful pickles in large mason jars.  Bon Appétit has a slew of great pickle recipes.  I’m going to try a few plus order some artisanal pickles to try.  Rick’s Picks and Wickles have both been recommended to me recently.  Have you tried either?  That, plus a classic Vlasic or two should put us in good stead.

Happy weekend,

xoxosl